Webster's High School

Science

The Science Curriculum Group consists of four departments: Biology Chemistry, Physics and Science.

Broad General Education S1-S3

During your first three years in Webster’s High School you have been learning through a broad, general education. You have experienced a wide range of subjects across a range of curricular areas – Expressive Arts, Languages, Mathematics, Social Subjects, Health and Wellbeing, Sciences and Technologies. In addition to this you have also followed a Personal and Social Education programme. This broad general education provides an excellent foundation for you to move on to study for qualifications, at the right level for you, in the senior phase of secondary school.

Science BGE (S1 and S2) Overview

In S1 and S2 Science, learners develop their scientific knowledge and understanding of the world around them. They have opportunities to build a range of scientific skills, including problem solving, research, data handling, and practical investigation.

Both courses operate on a rotational basis and cover a variety of topics from biology, chemistry, and physics. The courses primarily incorporate Level 3 Science Experiences and Outcomes, while also including aspects of Levels 2 and 4 to support progression and challenge learners appropriately.

S1 Course Outline

In S1, learners will cover the following units of work:

Subject	Unit name	Description
Biology	Cells and Health	Introduce learners to cells, body systems, and health while developing practical investigation and scientific skills through a range of hands-on activities.
Biology	DNA and Reproduction	Investigating the structure of DNA, how it determines characteristics, and its practical uses, alongside studying lifecycles, the organs and specialised cells of the human reproductive system, and the process of fertilisation and fetal development
Chemistry	Matter	Investigate the properties and particle arrangements of solids, liquids, and gases, learn about solubility and the periodic table, and master practical techniques for separating mixtures, such as chromatography and distillation.
Chemistry	Acids and Alkalis	Identify everyday acids and alkalis, make and use chemical indicators to test substances on the pH scale, and investigate the properties of fizzy drinks, alongside studying different types of rocks, their formation, and their characteristics.
Physics	Energy and Heat	Learn to identify different forms of energy, construct energy transfer diagrams, and calculate system efficiency, alongside understanding the distinction between heat and temperature, how thermal energy transfers via conduction, convection, and radiation, and the practical methods used to control heat loss in homes
Physics	Light	Investigate how light travels, the formation of shadows, the Law of Reflection, and how we see objects, alongside learning to identify, order, and describe practical applications and safety aspects for each part of the wider electromagnetic spectrum

S2 Course Outline

In S2, learners will cover the following units of work:

Subject	Unit name	Description
Biology	Microorganisms	Investigate the structures and growth requirements of different microorganisms using aseptic techniques, understand how pathogens are transmitted, and study how the body’s lines of defense, vaccines, and herd immunity protect against disease.
Biology	Environmental Science	Examine shifting global carbon dioxide levels and the importance of plants through photosynthesis, alongside studying food chains and webs, and mastering field techniques like quadrat and pitfall sampling.
Chemistry	Chemical reactions	Learn to distinguish between physical changes and chemical reactions, identify signs of a reaction, and differentiate between exothermic and endothermic processes, alongside discovering ways to change reaction rates and researching everyday uses of catalysts and enzymes.
Chemistry	Earth Science	Investigate physical and chemical properties—including density, solubility, and changes in matter—across a diverse range of materials, while also studying advanced smart and novel carbon-based materials before concluding with a scientific research project.
Physics	Electricity	Identify and draw electrical component symbols, build simple circuits, and understand the concepts of current and voltage across series and parallel circuits, concluding with an investigation into the factors that affect chemical cells.
Physics	Forces and Space	Identify, measure, and calculate different types of forces, alongside discovering the main objects within our solar system and understanding the vast distances between them.

Assessment in S1 and S2

Each unit concludes with an end-of-unit assessment to evaluate learners' understanding and skills. Throughout both S1 and S2, students will have regular opportunities to develop practical and numeracy skills, directly contributing to their overall level of achievement.

Due to the units of working being on a rotational basis throughout the year, assessments will be periodically throughout the year.

More information can be found in the School Handbook.

Senior Phase S4-S6

The senior phase of your education includes S4 to S6 and is the stage of education where you will build up a portfolio of qualifications in preparation for your life in college, university or in the workplace. There is increased personalisation and choice in both the subjects that you can choose and the level of qualification that you can study for.

Courses: More information on courses can be found in our Senior Phase Course Choice Booklet.

Staff:

Biology	Mr Coull
Chemistry	Mr Murray
Chemistry & Biology	Dr Penny
Chemistry	Dr McIntyre (Faculty Head)
Biology	Mrs Ellis (Acting Faculty Head)
Physics	Mr McHugh
Physics	Mr Taylor